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Cats champ Paul Couch dies at 51

Former Geelong footballer and winner of the 1989 Brownlow medal Paul Couch has died, aged 51.

It’s understood Couch died from a heart attack.

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He was riding with friends along the Great Ocean Rd, near Apollo Bay, when he fell from his bike.

It’s understood he went into cardiac arrest and could not be revived.

Paul Couch dies

Couch was renowned for his boyish smile.

Couch played more than 259 games for the Cats between 1985 and 1997, kicking 203 goals in his career.

He played in four grand finals for Geelong, in an era where the club was unable to claim a premiership victory.

Couch was part of a great midfield, which also boasted Mark Bairstow and Garry Hocking.

Couch was recruited from Warrnambool and was twice an All Australian – in 1991 and 1995.

He won three club best-and-fairest awards, in 1986, 1989 and 1995.

He was also named on the bench in the Cats’ Team of the Century and represented Victoria five times.

The AFL Players’ Association tweeted their sympathy to the club and Couch’s family.

“Very sad to hear about the passing of Geelong Cats Paul Couch. Thoughts with his family and friends from all,” the association tweeted.

Former Hawthorn great Robert DiPierdomenico added: “Can’t believe what I have just heard fellow Brownlow Medalist Paul@Couch has passed away at 51 RIP”.

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